Word Origin & History

early 15c., "deciding by one's own discretion," from Old French arbitraire (14c.) or directly from Latin arbitrarius "depending on the will, uncertain," from arbiter (see arbiter). The original meaning gradually descended to "capricious" and "despotic" (1640s). Related: Arbitrarily; arbitrariness.

Example Sentences for arbitrarily

A mistake; they lack only the right of arbitrarily dismissing the insubordinate.

He had arisen to his feet as if arbitrarily to end the argument.

They arbitrarily decide what is, and what is not, in the public interest.

But they did not arbitrarily do that which it seemed to them they might have done.

I have invented it, by arbitrarily identifying the moment of its departure.

Money, therefore, cannot be arbitrarily multiplied, any more than title-deeds can.

Wages of all sorts must be arbitrarily fixed by the government.

He arbitrarily rejected all that had been done before his time.

In these respects the Bible cannot be arbitrarily or exceptionally treated.

We cannot arbitrarily by breeding, but we can by nutrition and education—to an unknown extent.